Newsletter

Over the last several years, cyber liability coverage has evolved from just insurance for information technology companies to coverage that nearly every kind of business should have if they don't already. From retailers, banks, contractors, distributors, restaurants and medical offices, many businesses are unaware of the great cyber liability exposure they face. Recent state laws require companies that have experienced a cyber liability breach to notify all customers that could be affected by the breach that their information has been compromised, even if the information hasn't been used. In most cases, the notification also requires an option of one year credit monitoring services and a new card or account number for customer. Costs can be as much as $250 per individual breach.
Believe it or not, cyber liability insurance makes lots of sense for all companies. Here's why:
· Many policies offer "first party" coverage--that is, they will pay you for things like business interruption, the cost of notifying customers of a breach, and even the expense of hiring a public relations firm.
· Is your website and any of your data hosted or stored in the cloud? Take a good look at your contracts: You're still legally responsible.
Most business insurance policies do not cover computer fraud by a third party or the liability arising out of a cyber-attack. The good news is solutions are available. Make sure your crime policy has electronic crime and fraud coverage with appropriate limits. Cyber- liability insurance can be added to your program to cover the costs associated with customer notification and recovery of hacked data. If you store data, including private information on computers; use e-mail; generate revenue online; or use your computer to control production, manufacturing, or inventory, your company is at risk!
In short, any business not making an effort to protect personal private information is seriously out of step with the emerging landscape of privacy law.

We know choosing the right Commercial Insurance for your new business is an important decision. Our agency has the experience to market your Commercial Insurance and provide you with options for your new business. Whether you're a store owner, distributor, office professional, or wholesaler, you need Commercial Insurance to protect you and your new business against the unique risks and exposures you face. Here are the types of Commercial Insurance you should consider when selecting and designing your business insurance program:Commercial General Liability: Covers third party liability claims, namely claims against you from a customer or visitor on your premises, or who may be injured by your business activity or product.
Example: A customer slips on your driveway, trips on your steps, or injures himself on your premises, or customer is injured as a result of your product or service.Commercial Business Property Insurance: Insures your building and contents both on and off premises.
Example: A fire destroys your entire building and equipment.Employee Dishonesty Coverage: Protects your company from financial loss resulting from employee theft of money, securities, or property.
Example: An employee steals money from your company.Workers Compensation: Provides compensation for your employees for medical care in the event they are injured on the job, including medical benefits, income benefits, death benefits, and rehabilitation benefits.
Example: You own a delivery company, and an employee is injured while making a delivery.Business Auto: Provides insurance coverage for your company’s cars, trucks, trailers, vans, or other vehicles.
Example: You’re a beverage distributor making a delivery in the company van when another vehicle runs a stop sign and hits you.Professional Liability: Covers you for the failure to perform professional services. If you design something or perform work which does not meet standards or expectations, you could be sued for the cost of the contract, damages, or lost business revenues by your customer.
Example: You are an architect and one of your buildings has developed a mold issue due to poor roof design.Business Interruption Insurance: Provides protection from loss of income and extra expense if your business suffered a loss and you were unable to operate for a period of time.
Example: A major storm hits and your restaurant is completely flooded. You have to close for a month to repair all of the damage.Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Provides coverage for the accidental breakdown of equipment.
Example: A power surge damages your computer network.

Health Care Reform
With the Affordable Care Act, most people will be required to have health coverage after January 1, 2014. They’ll have a new way to buy health policies through insurance exchanges. The employer mandate has been extended to 2014.
Employees will look to their employers for advice and assistance as they navigate the exchanges, so we’re providing you with information about their new options. Exchanges will provide individuals and small business owners with a place to find, compare, and purchase coverage, as well as get financial assistance to afford it.

Here are some questions you may have.Will I have to give up my current coverage?
No. When your coverage is renewed, it might contain new benefits required under federal law, but if your plan was already in effect on March 23, 2010, you can keep your current coverage as long as it is offered by your employer.What about pre-existing conditions?
You can no longer be refused coverage for pre-existing conditions. There may be more information coming and we will advise you.Can I maintain my primary care provider?
Yes, as long as they are part of the plan you select.
My child previously aged out of dependent coverage, but is still under 26 years old. Can I put him back on my plan?
Yes, check with your plan to determine the specific process.Does every employer need to provide coverage?
No, Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, the law requires only employers with 50 or more full time employees to offer “minimum essential coverage. For small employers please consultant with your CPA to see if you qualify for a tax rebate on premiums paid.
As we try to understand and navigate through all this information, it is important to use an independent agent. Here are the benefits of using our firm
· We don’t charge fees or service changes
· You will pay same as if going direct to carrier
· We will compare many insurance options and bring you the best option to you

Self-storage or mini storage facilities are available in almost every community, and people are placing personal property in storage for many reasons. Some people store personal property during a move, to store an ATV, to store seasonal items, or simply need the extra storage space. These facilities offer safe and clean storage for a reasonable cost.
To completely answer the question, “Is my personal property covered while in storage?” let’s look at the basic coverage found under a typical homeowner’s policy. Remember actual policy terms and coverage varies.
Homeowners or Renters Policies Typically Cover:
· The dwelling- Pays to repair or rebuild your home, if you own it.
· Personal property coverage- Reimburses you for the personal items in your home that may be damaged or destroyed by a covered cause of loss. This could include your furniture, clothes, sporting goods and electronics.
· Loss of use coverage- Pays your additional housing and living expenses if you must move out of your home temporarily while it's being restored.
· Liability insurance- Covers you if you or your family members are responsible for causing injuries or damage to other people or their property.
So how is property you place into a storage facility covered? A standard homeowners or renters insurance policy provides you with protection for personal property you own anywhere in the world. Coverage would apply to personal property you own while in a storage facility. But there can be some limitations. Depending on your policy, your property in storage may have a limit of 10% of your total policy limit. For example, if you have a homeowners or renter policy with a limit of $500,000 on the property, you could have $50,000 of coverage in a rented storage facility. Here are some other limitations of which to be aware:
· Vehicles
· ATV’s
· Fine art or collectibles
· Motorcycles
· Other items not covered under your home or renters policy

Finally, your property in storage may also have limitations regarding to the kind of loss covered. For example, flood, earthquake, or sewer back-up may not be covered. Call our office today for a complete review of your insurance program.

There is no question that a healthy life style can reduce life insurance premiums and health care costs. Statistics show that the healthier you are the lower your medical costs and health insurance will be. Developing a healthy lifestyle can be accomplished by considering the following:Eating out the right way Everyone likes to eat out. However, people who eat out more often tend to have increased risks for serious health issues over time. It is not eating out that causes these issues, but rather the types of foods consumed when eating out. So, here are a few simple tips on eating healthy while eating out:
· Stay away from fast food.
· Drink lots of water rather than ordering soda.
· Ask if smaller portions are available or whether you can share entrees with a companion. If smaller portions aren’t available, ask for a to-go box when you order and place half the entrée in the box to eat later.
· Order an appetizer-sized portion or a side dish instead of an entrée.
· Ask for salad dressing to be served "on the side" so you can add only as much as you want.
· Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message from your stomach that you are no longer hungryGet Regular Exercise One great way to stay healthy is to exercise daily. Take a walk, run, bike, or hike. The more fit you are, the lower your life insurance premiums will be.Quit Smoking If you smoke, quit. Life insurance companies judge smoking as a critical risk factor in determining your premium.Get Rest Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.Get your annual flu shot October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated in December or later. Flu season can start as early as October and last as late as May.Go Fishing Make fish a bigger part of your diet.Eat a Banana People whose diets are rich in potassium may be less prone to high blood pressure.Remember these are not in the healthy food group: Whipped toppings, cookies, gravy, saturated fats, spreads of all kinds, and juice that is not made 100% from fruit.
If you want to lower your health insurance, general health care costs, and life insurance, consider making changes to your life style. We are confident that you will see reductions in insurance costs, be healthier, and live longer.